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Corticosteroids (CSs) are commonly used to manage wheezing and asthma in pediatric populations. Although corticosteroids are effective in alleviating airway diseases, some children with more moderate-severe asthma phenotypes show CS resistance and exhibit significant airflow obstruction, persistent inflammation, and more frequent exacerbations. Previous studies have demonstrated that Th1 cytokines, such as TNF-γ and IFN-γ, promote CS resistance in adult human airway smooth muscle (ASM). In the present study, using a human fetal ASM cell model, we tested the hypothesis that TNF-γ/IFN-γ induces CS resistance. In contrast to TNF-β or IFN-γ alone, the combination of TNF-β/IFN-γ blunted the ability of fluticasone propionate (FP) to reduce expression of the chemokines CCL5 and CXCL10 despite expression of key anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid receptor target genes being largely unaffected by TNF-β/IFN-γ. Expression of the NF-B subunit p65 and phosphorylation of Stat1 were elevated in cells treated with TNF-β/IFN-γ, an effect that remained in the presence of FP. siRNA knockdown studies demonstrated the effects of TNF-β/IFN-γ on increased p65 are mediated by Stat1, a transcription factor activated by IFN-γ. Expression of TNFAIP3, a negative regulator of NF-B activity, was not altered by TNF-β/IFN-γ. However, the effects of TNF-β/IFN-γ were partially reduced by overexpression of TNFAIP3 but did not influence p65 expression. Together, these data suggest that IFN-γ augments the effects of TNF-β on chemokines by enhancing expression of key inflammatory pathways in the presence of CS. Interactions between TNF-β- and IFN-γ-mediated pathways may promote inflammation in asthmatic children resistant to CSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to moderate hyperoxia in prematurity contributes to subsequent airway dysfunction and increases the risk of developing recurrent wheeze and asthma. The nitric oxide (NO)-soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-cyclic GMP (cGMP) axis modulates airway tone by regulating airway smooth muscle (ASM) intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and contractility. However, the effects of hyperoxia on this axis in the context of Ca2+/contractility are not known. In developing human ASM, we explored the effects of novel drugs that activate sGC independent of NO on alleviating hyperoxia (50% oxygen)-induced enhancement of Ca2+ responses to bronchoconstrictor agonists. Treatment with BAY 41- 2272 (sGC stimulator) and BAY 60-2770 (sGC activator) increased cGMP levels during exposure to 50% O2. Although 50% O2 did not alter sGCα1 or sGCα1 expression, BAY 60-2770 did increase sGCα1 expression. BAY 41-2272 and BAY 60-2770 blunted Ca2+ responses to histamine in cells exposed to 50% O2. The effects of BAY 41-2272 and BAY 60-2770 were reversed by protein kinase G inhibition. These novel data demonstrate that BAY 41-2272 and BAY 60-2770 stimulate production of cGMP and blunt hyperoxia-induced increases in Ca2+ responses in developing ASM. Accordingly, sGC stimulators/activators may be a useful therapeutic strategy in improving bronchodilation in preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple pulmonary conditions are characterized by an abnormal misbalance between various tissue components, for example, an increase in the fibrous connective tissue and loss/increase in extracellular matrix proteins (ECM). Such tissue remodeling may adversely impact physiological function of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) responsible for contraction of airways and release of a variety of bioactive molecules. However, few efforts have been made to understand the potentially significant impact of tissue remodeling on ASMCs. Therefore, this study reports how ASMCs respond to a change in mechanical stiffness of a matrix, to which ASMCs adhere because mechanical stiffness of the remodeled airways is often different from the physiological stiffness. Accordingly, using atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements, we found that the elastic modulus of the mouse bronchus has an arithmetic mean of 23.1 ± 14 kPa (SD) (median 18.6 kPa). By culturing ASMCs on collagen-conjugated polyacrylamide hydrogels with controlled elastic moduli, we found that gels designed to be softer than average airway tissue significantly increased cellular secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Conversely, gels stiffer than average airways stimulated cell proliferation, while reducing VEGF secretion and agonist-induced calcium responses of ASMCs. These dependencies of cellular activities on elastic modulus of the gel were correlated with changes in the expression of integrin- ßi and integrin-linked kinase (ILK). Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that changes in matrix mechanics alter cell proliferation, calcium signaling, and proangiogenic functions in ASMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) increases expression of CD38 (a membrane-associated bifunctional enzyme regulating cyclic ADP ribose), and enhances agonist-induced intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) responses in human airway smooth muscle (ASM). We previously demonstrated that caveolae and their constituent protein caveolin-1 are important for ASM [Ca2+]i regulation, which is further enhanced by TNFα. Whether caveolae and CD38 are functionally linked in mediating TNFα effects is unknown. In this regard, whether the related cavin proteins (cavin-1 and -3) that maintain structure and function of caveolae play a role is also not known. In the present study, we hypothesized that TNFα effects on CD38 expression and function in human ASM involve caveolae. Caveolar fractions from isolated human ASM cells expressed CD38 and its expression was upregulated by exposure to 20ng/ml TNFα (48h). ASM cells expressed cavin-1 and cavin-3, which were also upregulated by TNFα. Knockdown of caveolin-1, cavin-1 or cavin-3 (using siRNA) all significantly reduced CD38 expression and ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity in the presence or absence of TNFα. Furthermore, caveolin-1, cavin-1 and cavin-3 siRNAs reduced [Ca2+]i responses to histamine under control conditions, and blunted the enhanced [Ca2+]i responses in TNFα-exposed cells. These data demonstrate that CD38 is expressed within caveolae and its function is linked to the caveolar regulatory proteins caveolin-1, cavin-1 and -3. The link between caveolae and CD38 is further enhanced during airway inflammation demonstrating the important role of caveolae in regulation of [Ca2+]i and contractility in the airway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) enhances Ca2+ signaling and cell proliferation in human airway smooth muscle (ASM), especially with inflammation. Human ASM also expresses BDNF, raising the potential for autocrine/paracrine effects. The mechanisms by which ASM BDNF secretion occurs are not known. Transient receptor potential channels (TRPCs) regulate a variety of intracellular processes including store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE; including in ASM) and secretion of factors such as cytokines. In human ASM, we tested the hypothesis that TRPC3 regulates BDNF secretion. At baseline, intracellular BDNF was present, and BDNF secretion was detectable by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of cell supernatants or by real-time fluorescence imaging of cells transfected with GFP–BDNF vector. Exposure to the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) (20ng/ml, 48h) or a mixture of allergens (ovalbumin, house dust mite, Alternaria, and Aspergillus extracts) significantly enhanced BDNF secretion and increased TRPC3 expression. TRPC3 knockdown (siRNA or inhibitor Pyr3; 10μM) blunted BDNF secretion, and prevented inflammation effects. Chelation of extracellular Ca2+ (EGTA; 1mM) or intracellular Ca2+ (BAPTA; 5μM) significantly reduced secreted BDNF, as did the knockdown of SOCE proteins STIM1 and Orai1 or plasma membrane caveolin-1. Functionally, secreted BDNF had autocrine effects suggested by phosphorylation of high-affinity tropomyosin-related kinase TrkB receptor, prevented by chelating extracellular BDNF with chimeric TrkB-Fc. These data emphasize the role of TRPC3 and Ca2+ influx in the regulation of BDNF secretion by human ASM and the enhancing effects of inflammation. Given the BDNF effects on Ca2+ and cell proliferation, BDNF secretion may contribute to altered airway structure and function in diseases such as asthma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Regulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) is a key factor in airway smooth muscle (ASM) tone. In vascular smooth muscle, specialized membrane microdomains (caveolae) expressing the scaffolding protein caveolin-I are thought to facilitate cellular signal transduction. In human ASM cells, we tested the hypothesis that caveolae mediate Ca2+ responses to agonist stimulation. Fluorescence immunocytochemistry with confocal microscopy, as well as Western blot analysis, was used to determine that agonist receptors (M3 muscarinic, bradykinin, and histamine) and store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE)-regulatory mechanisms colocalize with caveolin-l. Although caveolin-2 coexpressed with caveolin-1, caveolin-3 was absent. In fura 2-loaded ASM cells, [Ca2+]i responses to 1 μM ACh, 10 μM histamine, and 10 nM bradykinin, as well as SOCE, were attenuated (each to a different extent) after disruption of caveolae by the cholesterol-chelating drug methyl-β-cyclodextrin. Transfection of ASM cells with 50 nM caveolin-I small interfering RNA significantly weakened caveolin-I expression and blunted [Ca2+]i responses to bradykinin and histamine, as well as SOCE, but the response to ACh was less intense. These results indicate that caveolae are present in ASM and that caveolin-I contributes to regulation of [Ca2+]i responses to agonist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in airway smooth muscle (ASM) is key to contractility. In vascular smooth muscle, specialized plasma membrane microdomains (caveolae) expressing the scaffolding protein caveolin are thought to facilitate signal transduction. We hypothesized that caveolae in ASM are important in mediating agonist induced [Ca2+]i responses. In human ASM cells, fluorescence confocal microscopy as well as Western blot analyses were used to determine expression and co-localization of agonist receptors (M3 muscarinic, bradykinin, histamine) as well as TRPC proteins with caveolin-1. The muscle-specific caveolin-3 was barely detectable in these cells, while caveolin-2 (usually associated with caveolin-1) was present. Transfection of ASM cell with 50nM caveolin-1 siRNA significantly knocked down caveolin-1 expression (∼75%), but caveolin-2 expression did not decrease. In ASM cells loaded with 5µM fura2, [Ca2+]i responses to 10nM bradykinin and 10µM histamine, but not 1µM ACh, were attenuated following disruption of caveolae by the cholesterol chelating drug, methyl-β-cyclodextrin (10mM). Transfection of caveolin-1 siRNA significantly blunted [Ca2+]i responses to bradykinin and histamine, but not ACh. Store-operated Ca2+ entry was also significantly blunted by cyclodextrin as well as caveolin-1 knockdown. These results indicate that caveolae are present in ASM and contribute to regulation of agonist induced [Ca2+]i responses, most likely via caveolin-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurotrophins such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-4 (NT4) and neurotrophin-3 (NT3) are expressed in non-neuronal tissues including airway smooth muscle (ASM). We previously demonstrated that BDNF and NT4 increase, while NT3 decreases, ASM intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and contractility. Accordingly, in this study, we hypothesized that neurotrophins contribute to airway hyperreactivity. We examined the interactions between neurotrophins and the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-13 vis-à-vis [Ca2+]i regulation in isolated human ASM cells. In cells exposed for 48h to 20 nM TNFα, gene array analysis found increased expression of BDNF, NT4, NT3 and the BDNF/NT4 receptor TrkB, but not the NT3 receptor TrkC, compared to control cells. Similar results were suggested by semi-quantitative immunofluorescence. In ASM cells exposed for 30 min to 10 nM BDNF or NT4, [Ca2+]i responses to ACh and histamine were significantly greater than control, while 10 nM NT3 significantly decreased [Ca2+]i responses. Following 48 h exposure to 20 nM TNFα, [Ca2+]i responses to ACh and histamine were significantly greater compared to control. Addition of 30 min exposure to 10 nM BDNF resulted in even greater [Ca2+]i responses to agonist. In contrast, 10 nM NT3 slightly blunted TNFα induced increases in [Ca2+]i responses to both agonists. These novel data suggest that neurotrophins, regardless of their source, influence [Ca2+]i regulation in ASM, and enhance inflammatory effects on ASM function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ectoenzyme CD38 catalyzes synthesis and degradation of cyclic ADP ribose in airway smooth muscle (ASM). The proinflammatory cytokine TNFα, which enhances agonist-induced intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) responses, has been previously shown to increases CD38 expression. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the effects of TNFα on CD38 expression vs. changes in [Ca2+]i regulation in ASM cells are linked. Using isolated human ASM cells, CD38 expression was either increased (transfection) or knocked down [small interfering RNA (siRNA)], and [Ca2+]i responses to sarcoplasmic reticulum depletion [i.e., store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE)] were evaluated in the presence vs. absence of TNFα. Results confirmed that TNFα-significantly increased CD38 expression and ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity, an effect inhibited by CD38 siRNA, but unaltered by CD38 overexpression. CD38 suppression blunted, whereas overexpression enhanced, ACh-induced [Ca2+]i responses. TNFα-induced enhancement of [Ca2+]i response to agonist was blunted by CD38 suppression, but enhanced by CD38 overexpression. Finally, TNFα-induced increase in SOCE was blunted by CD38 siRNA and potentiated by CD38 overexpression. Overall, these results indicate a critical role for CD38 in TNFα-induced enhancement of [Ca2+]i in human ASM cells, and potentially to TNFα augmentation of airway responsiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of asthma is higher in pre-pubescent and aging males, and in post-pubertal females, strongly indicating that sex steroids (especially estrogen) may be an important modulator in lung disease. We recently demonstrated that airway smooth muscle (ASM) expresses both alpha and beta forms of the estrogen receptor (ERα and ERβ) in males and females, and that these receptors regulate intracellular [Ca2+] and ASM contractility. Although both ERα and ERβ have multiple splice variants, it is unclear if and how the expression of these variants is modulated under conditions such as chronic inflammation/asthma. In order to test the hypothesis that the differential expression of ERα and ERβ variants contributes to the pathogenesis of asthma, we profiled the expression of various ERα and ERβ genes in asthmatic and inflamed (TNFα- or IL-13-treated) ASM. Gene expression was assessed at both the mRNA and protein levels in asthmatic ASM cells or non-asthmatic cells treated with TNFα (20 ng/ml) or IL-13 (50 ng/ml). We observed marked variation in the expression of ER isoforms in response to inflammatory stimuli, and in non-asthmatic versus asthmatic ASM. Changes in protein levels of ERα and ERβ corresponded with the observed differential mRNA patterns. Pharmacological studies implicate cytosolic (p42/44 MAPK and PI3 K) and nuclear (NFκB, STAT6, and AP-1) signaling pathways as putative mechanisms that mediate and/or regulate effects of inflammation on ER expression. We conclude that variations in ASM ER expression profiles occur with inflammation and that ER variants could contribute to estrogen signaling in airway diseases such as asthma. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1754-1760, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viral infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus, adversely affect neonatal and pediatric populations, resulting in significant lung morbidity, including acute asthma exacerbation. Studies in adults have demonstrated that human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells modulate inflammation through their ability to secrete inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The role of ASM in the developing airway during infection remains undefined. In our study, we used human fetal ASM cells as an in vitro model to examine the effect of Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists on chemokine secretion. We found that fetal ASM express multiple TLRs, including TLR3 and TLR4, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus infection. Cells were treated with TLR agonists, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] (TLR3 agonist), lipopolysaccharide (TLR4 agonist), or R848 (TLR7/8 agonist), and IL-8 and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) secretion were evaluated. Interestingly, poly(I:C), but neither lipopolysaccharide nor R848, increased IL-8 and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 secretion. Examination of signaling pathways suggested that the poly(I:C) effects in fetal ASM involve TLR and ERK signaling, in addition to another major inflammatory pathway, NF-B. Moreover, there are variations between fetal and adult ASM with respect to poly(I:C) effects on signaling pathways. Pharmacological inhibition suggested that ERK pathways mediate poly(I:C) effects. Overall, our data show that poly(I:C) initiates activation of proinflammatory pathways in developing ASM, which may contribute to immune responses to infection and exacerbation of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma in the pediatric population remains a significant contributor to morbidity and increasing healthcare costs. Vitamin D3 insufficiency and deficiency have been associated with development of asthma. Recent studies in models of adult airway diseases suggest that the bioactive Vitamin D3 metabolite, calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; 1,25(OH)2D3), modulates responses to inflammation; however, this concept has not been explored in developing airways in the context of pediatric asthma. We used human fetal airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells as a model of the early postnatal airway to explore how calcitriol modulates remodeling induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cells were pre-treated with calcitriol and then exposed to TNFα or TGFβ for up to 72 h. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, production of extracellular matrix (ECM), and cell proliferation were assessed. Calcitriol attenuated TNFα enhancement of MMP-9 expression and activity. Additionally, calcitriol attenuated TNFα and TGFβ-induced collagen III expression and deposition, and separately, inhibited proliferation of fetal ASM cells induced by either inflammatory mediator. Analysis of signaling pathways suggested that calcitriol effects in fetal ASM involve ERK signaling, but not other major inflammatory pathways. Overall, our data demonstrate that calcitriol can blunt multiple effects of TNFα and TGFβ in developing airway, and point to a potentially novel approach to alleviating structural changes in inflammatory airway diseases of childhood. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1189-1198, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cigarette smoke contributes to or exacerbates airway diseases such as asthma and COPD, where airway hyperresponsiveness and airway smooth muscle (ASM) proliferation are key features. While factors such as inflammation contribute to asthma in part by enhancing agonist-induced intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) responses of ASM, the mechanisms by which cigarette smoke affect ASM are still under investigation. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that cigarette smoke enhances the expression and function of Ca2+ regulatory proteins leading to increased store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and cell proliferation. Using isolated human ASM (hASM) cells, incubated in the presence and absence cigarette smoke extract (CSE) we determined ([Ca2+]i) responses and expression of relevant proteins as well as ASM proliferation, reactive oxidant species (ROS) and cytokine generation. CSE enhanced [Ca2+]i responses to agonist and SOCE: effects mediated by increased expression of TRPC3, CD38, STIM1, and/or Orai1, evident by attenuation of CSE effects when siRNAs against these proteins were used, particularly Orai1. CSE also increased hASM ROS generation and cytokine secretion. In addition, we found in the airways of patients with long-term smoking history, TRPC3 and CD38 expression were significantly increased compared to life-long never-smokers, supporting the role of these proteins in smoking effects. Finally, CSE enhanced hASM proliferation, an effect confirmed by upregulation of PCNA and Cyclin E. These results support a critical role for Ca2+ regulatory proteins and enhanced SOCE to alter airway structure and function in smoking-related airway disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurally derived tachykinins such as substance P (SP) play a key role in modulating airway contractility (especially with inflammation). Separately, the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF; potentially derived from nerves as well as airway smooth muscle; ASM) and its tropomyosin-related kinase receptor, TrkB, are involved in enhanced airway contractility. In this study, we hypothesized that neurokinins and neurotrophins are linked in enhancing intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) regulation in ASM. In rat ASM cells, 24 h exposure to 10 nM SP significantly increased BDNF and TrkB expression (P < 0.05). Furthermore, [Ca2+]i responses to 1 μM ACh as well as BDNF (30 min) effects on [Ca2+]i regulation were enhanced by prior SP exposure, largely via increased Ca2+ influx (P < 0.05). The enhancing effect of SP on BDNF signaling was blunted by the neurokinin-2 receptor antagonist MEN-10376 (1 μM, P < 0.05) to a greater extent than the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist RP-67580 (5 nM). Chelation of extracellular BDNF (chimeric TrkB-Fc; 1 μg/ml), as well as tyrosine kinase inhibition (100 nM K252a), substantially blunted SP effects (P < 0.05). Overnight (24 h) exposure of ASM cells to 50% oxygen increased BDNF and TrkB expression and potentiated both SP- and BDNF-induced enhancement of [Ca2+]i (P < 0.05). These results suggest a novel interaction between SP and BDNF in regulating agonist-induced [Ca2+]i regulation in ASM. The autocrine mechanism we present here represents a new area in the development of bronchoconstrictive reflex response and airway hyperreactive disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Cigarette smoke-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction in human airway smooth muscle" by B Aravamudan and others in a 2014 issue.